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Flagyl Drug Center

Flagyl, Flagyl ER and Flagyl Injection (metronidazole) are all almost identical antimicrobial drugs that differ mainly in design for use; oral (Flagyl,) oral extended release (Flagyl ER) or intravenous (Flagyl injection). This drug is available as a generic termed metronidazole. These preparations are designed to treat bacterial vaginosis (mainly Flagyl ER), trichomonas, amebiasis and anaerobic bacterial infections. The most common side effects for these three preparations of Flagyl are nausea; occasionally abdominal cramps, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, headache, and anorexia occur. Most clinicians should have their laboratories check to see if the antimicrobial agent is effective against the microbes, especially bacteria, it is directed against.

Flagyl is supplied in 250 and 500 mg strength tablets, Flagyl ER is available in 750 mg strength tablets, and Flagyl Injection in 500 mg strength in a buffered 100 ml vial. Dosage is quite variable and dependent upon the severity of disease and other considerations made by the treating physician. Most of the serious side effects may occur with any of these three preparations of Flagyl. Uncomfortable side effects that may become serious are fevers, pain with urination and mouth sores; most serious side effects are paresthesias that may become permanent, encephalopathy, and seizures. Flagyl may cause liver enzyme levels to increase; lithium and creatinine levels should be checked to avoid lithium toxicity or renal compromise. Alcohol may increase the side effects of Flagyl. Patients on disulfiram should not take Flagyl until they have had a two week interval without taking disulfiram, especially alcoholic patients, to avoid psychotic reactions. Treatment in pregnant women (during first 3 months is not advised) or women who are breastfeeding should only be done if the benefits outweigh the potential problems; Flagyl levels approach serum levels in breast milk. Except for use in amebiasis, studies in pediatric patients are not available; Flagyl ER has no pediatric studies.

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